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How a Wood Burning Stove Works

Wood burning stoves are a lovely addition to any home. They should only be used with properly seasoned wood.

Older stoves that did not have secondary combustion let air in below and above the fuel - this resulted in the loss of energy, chimney tarring and atmospheric pollution.

Modern wood stoves employ superior combustion methods that separates the air supply into two phases. This allows for higher heating efficiency with lower emissions.

Efficient Combustion

The combustion efficiency of the wood stove is a measure of how well your wood is transformed into heat. It is different from the efficiency of heating transfer which is the amount of heat that is transferred from your stove to the room. A wood-burning stove with high efficiency in combustion and heating transfer will require less fuel and create less waste, including ash, carbon monoxide, and steam.

Modern wood stoves have a high combustion efficiency due to their advanced design. They maximize the amount of heat and use less wood. They also have low emissions, especially with EPA certified stoves, which require a special catalytic combustor that cleans exhaust gases when they leave the stove. These stoves that are cleaner are the perfect choice for homeowners looking to reduce their impact on our environment, while still enjoying the warmth and the comfort of a wood-burning stove.

The improvement of the efficiency of your wood stove is a matter of correct operation and maintenance. The most important thing is to control the process of combustion. This can be achieved by adding small pieces of wood frequently and maintaining a good fire in the stove. This will stop the accumulation of flammable creosote within the chimney, which could make the stove less efficient.

The efficiency of a wood stove is also affected by the use of dried and seasoned firewood that has less than 20%. Dry, seasoned firewood will not only generate more heat from the same fuel but will also produce less smoke and air pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines that limit the amount of smoke and other pollutants a new stove can emit in an hour. Most modern wood stoves rely on a secondary combustion, or catalytic combustor to reduce pollution and to meet EPA guidelines. If you're looking to purchase a wood burning stove that is in compliance with EPA emission standards, look for one with an EPA certification sticker. It should also have a smoke emission level less than 4 grams per hour.

Catalytic Combustion

Catalytic wood stoves use a special honeycombed combustor made from ceramic coated with noble metals, such as palladium or platinum. The combustor is like the catalyst in your car that cleans your exhaust. The noble metals found in the combustor react with particles and chemicals that are in the smoke breaking them into harmless end products such as carbon dioxide and water.

This allows the stove to produce lower emissions and burn more efficiently than other models without sacrificing the amount of heat produced or efficiency. The combustor is the most efficient when the temperature of the flue gas is at or above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If the fire is burnt in a low flame the gases in the stove aren't able to attain this temperature and the combustor won't function properly.

log burning stoves foreign substances, such as paper logs, treated or painted wood, can damage the combustor. The burning of these substances can cause "masking" which covers the cells of the combustor with a substance which prevents it from working in the way it was intended. Masking may also result from closing the bypass damper too quickly or refueling using wet wood. If the combustor cells are not regularly cleaned of creosote fly-ash and tar build up, plugging may occur which causes smoke to spill out.

Properly operated and positioned the combustor will provide years of efficient performance. It requires minimal maintenance other than getting rid of the soot off its surface after a long burn and dusting it periodically using a soft, dry bristled brush.

The combustor is equipped with an bypass damper that can be opened to ignite the fire, and then closed when you're ready to reload your stove. Examine the bypass damper for the "operate catalyst" indicator which shows when your combustor is operating within its optimal temperature range. The operating range of your combustor will be decreased if you close the bypass damper prematurely. If you close the bypass too quickly, it can reduce the temperature of the combustor's inlet and damage it. Consult your stove's manual for instructions on how to operate the damper. You can also contact our customer service department if you require assistance.

Airflow Controls

Air flow controls are essential to ensure that your wood stove burns safely and efficiently. The primary, secondary, and tertiary systems all work together to ensure that your fire is burning efficiently. Each of these systems plays a distinct function in the process of combustion.

The main air control is situated beneath or inside the stove's door. It regulates the amount of air that enters the firebox. More air means a more efficient burning fire, but it also increases the chances of chimney smokiness and creosote buildup. Ideally, the air control should be opened wide for a short time when lighting your wood stove.

When you have attained the desired level of heat, you can slowly close the primary air control until the desired temperature is reached. It is essential to ensure that no smoke is coming out of the chimney or stove as it is a sign of poor combustion.

Secondary airflow controls feeds oxygen to the top of your stove, often in the form of air jets positioned above the fire. This is the most important aspect of controlling your fire. Without it the fire will burn too quickly and create an excessive amount of smoke.

The secondary airflow, the final stage of the airflow systems of your stove is fed to the updraft or chimney. This creates a strong draft inside the flue, allowing your fire to perform at its peak.

It is important to keep in mind that your wood stove was made and designed to be optimized specifically for the purpose of burning firewood. Other combustibles may not be able to burn in your wood stove, resulting in excessive emissions and even chimney fires. Softwood is also suitable however, seasoned hardwood needs to be dried for a minimum of 6 months. Avoid using cardboard and paper as they can emit toxic fumes or cause creosote and ash to build within your stove. It is also recommended to avoid placing logs or other combustibles on your fire, as they could explode.

Safety

Wood burning stoves can be a great alternative to electricity, especially when your area is susceptible to frequent power outages. They can be hazardous if used incorrectly. They can create harmful chemicals that can affect your health. They can also create a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, you can avoid these dangers by taking simple safety precautions.

Use only clean, dry firewood in your wood-burning stove. Do not use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter fluid wrapping paper, or any other flammable substances to start or rekindle a electric fire stove. Never burn painted or treated wood. Keep the flue open to let plenty of oxygen in. Add wood in small quantities and don't let the fire smolder. If you're in a smoke-control area, never set up an indoor fire.

Make sure your chimney and stove are installed correctly. Poorly installed wood stoves could cause a fire to the chimney, which can release toxic gasses into your home. It is also essential to have the chimney swept and inspected regularly. Make sure that the flue is not flowing, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good idea keep your wood in a shed or a tarp. This can help the wood to get seasoned and dry faster. To reduce the risk of fire, keep the wood from other heat sources. It is also a good idea to put your stove on a non-flammable area, like a tile floor.

You should supervise your children around the stove if you have any youngsters. They might try to touch the fire or play with the hot ash, which can be hazardous. Also, keep all flammable items at least three feet away from the stove. Consider installing a heat shield to protect surfaces and walls from damage. It's also an excellent idea to have your family practice home fire drills. This will make it easier to escape your home in an emergency. For more tips on keeping your home secure, check out our article on escape routes for fire in the event of a home fire.